Smoke, Pokes, and Poké: Houston Food News This Week

Well, you've made it. Happy Longest Day of the Year. Congrats. Depending on your perspective, it's all uphill or downhill from here. I'm not going to tell you what to believe, because either way the days are going to start growing shorter, and there's nothing we can do about it. But really, does the Summer Solstice really happen if you can't see the sun? On to the news:

Smoked meat fans, you’ll want to clear whatever plans you had for September 16, because the Houston Barbecue Festival and Saint Arnold Brewing Company have announced the fourth annual Houston BBQ Throwdown is taking place on that day, and it’s a barbecue battle you won’t want to miss. You can get tickets and look at the roster of veteran and up-and-coming participants over at their website.

Relish Restaurant & Bar is refreshing their happy hour menu for the summer. New dishes you’ll find over there include: summer melon and prosciutto with saba and basil, bruschetta with duck liver mousse, homemade strawberry preserves and thyme, caramelized onion dip served with crispy homemade potato chips, and deviled eggs with horseradish, crispy fried chicken and a maple drizzle. Experience them Monday through Saturday, 3—6 p.m.

Slowpokes is expanding into the Upper Kirby district. Things have been going well in their Garden Oaks location, and now they’re taking their selection of coffees, teas, beer, wine and casual fare to 2925 Richmond Avenue, part of the Kirby Grove development.

Tomorrow is National Chocolate Éclair Day. And if you just can’t let the day go by without celebrating, get yourself over to Café Poêtes. Not only will you be able to get a chocolate éclair, but Café Poêtes has some excellent options for your Instagram needs.

We’re sure it’s happened to you once or twice now: you go to grab a brew or a glass of wine, only to find out your house is dry. Amazon is here to help, as they’ve recently added beer and wine to the list of things you can get through Amazon Prime Now. If you can wait one or two hours, they’ll bring beer—including options from local breweries like Karbach and St. Arnold—and wine to your doorstep. Just remember to put on pants before they arrive.

For those of you out in Pearland and Webster looking for more poké options, Pokéworks is headed to your neck of the woods. In October they’ll open up at 2360 Pearland Parkway and in December they’ll open at 1041 Bay Area Blvd.

Some news for our friends in Rosenberg: the ALDI that has been closed for remodeling is back and ready to serve. “Our remodeled store layout will simplify the shopping experience for customers,” the company said in a press release, so no more worries about wandering the aisles for the next few decades as you try to find your way out.